The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, together with its member companies, represented Sri Lanka at the BIMSTEC Business Summit held on August 6 to 7, in New Delhi and the delegation conducted a dedicated Country Session with key industries discussed including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, with a special focus on the opportunities within the processed food sector—particularly in sugar, spices and tea.
The pharmaceutical sector was also a highlight, with discussions on expanding Sri Lanka’s role in the healthcare value chain. The logistics sector drew attention for its potential in Special Economic Zones and Multimodal Transport Solutions, highlighting Sri Lanka’s strategic location and its highly skilled workforce.
At the Special Ministerial Plenary at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Kshenuka Senewiratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, addressed the need for
greater economic integration with the region and the importance of establishing the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to foster regional prosperity.
The Ceylon Chamber, with several other Chambers including those from the member countries participating at the Summit, also endorsed the creation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, which would further facilitate trade , investment and tourism collaboration across the region.
The Sri Lanka delegation comprising member companies of the Ceylon Chamber and led by Deputy Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis, Dr. Asanka Ratnayake, included, President of Consumer Foods at Ceylon Cold Stores, Daminda Gamlath, Director of Sunshine Healthcare and CEO of Sunshine Medical Devices and Lina Manufacturing, Dr. T. Sayandhan and Assistant Secretary General at the Ceylon Chamber, Ms. Dinithi Dias.
